World War 2 Historical Qestions - Assignment Example

23-1. How did President Hoover respond to the economic emergency? And why did he choose the course of action that he did? President Hoover reacted to the economies downturn by focusing on two major American traditions. On page 736 it quotes, “The first was the belief that economic outcomes were the product of individual character.” This first belief meant that success went to those who worked hard and deserved it. The second tradition stated that the business community could recover from economic downfall without relying on government assistance. Once the stock market crashed and the economy paused, President Hoover chose to take action. He removed the United States from the gold standard in 1933 in steps towards capitalism. Hoover later approved the Smooth-Hawley Tariff legislation to further global trade and construction. In addition he created the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC), which gave loans to banks, big businesses and railroads. On page 736 it states, “By the end of 1932, after a year in operation, it had loaned out only 20% of its $1.5 billion I funds.” Overall, Hoover chose his course of action based on his beliefs and ideas of socialism as well as what other figures and himself believed was best for the country. 23.2. What problems in the economy and society of the United States did the Great Depression expose? As the Great Depression worsened, four main problems in the United States society and government were exposed; Credit, unregulated business, monopolies and unemployment. Stated on page 739, “The nation’s banking system was so close to collapse that many state governors closed banks temporarily to avoid further withdraws. As well as, “Several states were approaching bankruptcy, their tax revenues too low to pay for basic services.” This quote shows us the rapid rate of bank failures and credit plunges. Other corporations (that survived) had grown so powerful that they controlled markets entirely. While the big businesses grew, thousands of people rapidly lost jobs, family members and homes. In reaction to the depression many negative responses from the people were documented. For example, on page 738 it quotes, “…farmers joined the Farmers’ Holiday Association, which cut off supplies to urban areas by barricading roads and dumping milk, vegetables, and other foodstuffs onto the roadways.” This was an act of protest. In addition, page 739 states, “Unemployment continued to climb, and the three major industrial cities in Ohio, it shot to staggering levels: 50% in Cleveland, 60% in Akron, and 80% in Toledo.” This quote really reveals the facts of the nations struggle. As time passes, the issues of credit, unregulated businesses, monopolies and unemployment within the society of the United States economy really begun to expose itself. 23-3. What were the main programs of the New Deals “Hundred Days”? What were their goals? How were they different from reforms in the early decades of the century? The main programs of the New Deals “Hundred Days” were the; Emergency Banking Act, Glass Steagall Act, and Agricultural Adjustment Act. The Emergency Banking Act allowed banks to reopen as long as an inspection was done and approved by the Treasury Department. The goal of this act was to regain stability to the nations financial institutions. The second banking law, The Glass Steagall Act, created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This corporation quoted on page 740, “…insured deposits up to $2,500 (and now ensures them up to $250,000). This act served as a security blanket and was placed to restore confidence and within the public and banking system. It did so by creating a formal separation by investment banking and commercial banking. Lastly, the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) was the first act to regulate the faming economy and industry. On page 741 it says, “To solve the problem of overproduction, which lowered prices, the AAA provided cash subsidies to farmers who cut production…” The seven products involved were; dairy products, wheat, cotton, hogs, corn, rice and tobacco. This acts purpose was to reduce crop surplus and raise the value of crops to stabilize the farm economy. The New Deals “Hundred Days” Acts passed differed from reforms in the early centuries because overall it was never so urgently needed. The sudden call of action and regulations put in place caused positive and negative reactions. The president pledged he would turn the economy around and many people thought he did too much. 23.4. Who were the New Deals major critics, and what were their alternative programs? Despite the Liberty League and the National Association of Manufacturers there were two major critics of the New Deal. Public figures Francis Townsend and Huey Long. In 1933 Francis Townsend proposed his Old Age Revolving Pension Plan to the community but directed his ideas mainly towards the elderly. He explains his plan on page 747(top left paragraph) proposing, “…Old Age Revolving Pension Plan, which would give $200 a month (about 3,300 today) to citizens over the age of sixty.” In addition he stated, “To receive payments, the elderly would have to retire and open their positions to younger workers.” (pg.747). Once his plan surfaced, the plan received a massive amount of public support. By 1935 his Townsend club had over five million members. Later the senator Huey Long broke with the New Deal. Many say he created a national movement. For example, page 747 states, “According to his Share Our Wealth Society, inequalities in the distribution of wealth prohibited millions of ordinary families from buying goods…” In effect kept the factories happy. Its also said that Long’s society, “advocated a tax on 100% on all income over $1 million.” In conclusion, President Roosevelt was scared of the possibility of Long, Townsend, Charles Coughlin and others creating a third party. 23-5. How did the Second New Deal differ from the first? What were Roosevelt’s reasons for changing course? The Second New Deal differed from the first in various ways. The Second New Deal legislation relied more on the Keynesian style of deficit spending than the First New Deal did. The administration had what was called a ‘new outlook’ and The Revenue Act symbolized it. Stated on page 747 it reads, “Unlike the First New Deal, which focused on economic recovery, the Second New Deal emphasized social justice and the creation of a safety net…” The so-called, “safety net” referred to the assistance of the federal government. This deal would provide economic security for the disabled, unemployed and elderly. Due to all of the First New Deals complaints, Roosevelt aimed the Second New Deal programs and policies towards long-term reform. In addition he adopted many popular parts of Townsend, Coughlin, and Longs programs and resulted in “welfare state” (pg.747). The Second New Deal fundamentally changed American society and turned things around for the union. The main reasons why Roosevelt’s changed his course was mainly because critics and complaints. But in addition, he changed his direction to appease the “Longites” who needed direct assistance from the government. It seemed as if Roosevelt wanted to please everyone but unfortunately pleasing everyone is impossible. 23.6. Why did the New Deal reach a stalemate? Once the 1936 election approached voters chose either the Democratic or Republican party. Many public figures such as Jack Reagan and Ronald Reagan benefited from several of The New Deals programs. As Roosevelt commanded the support from many, the Democrats tried their best to keep as many votes as they could. As stated on page 750, “Roosevelt’s victory in 1936 was one of the most lopsided in American history.” The New Deal reached a stalemate because Democrats lost votes while the Republican party won votes. For example, page 750 clearly states, “Roosevelt received 60% of the popular vote and carried every state except Maine and Vermont. Organized labor, in particular, mobilized on behalf of FDR, donating money, canvassing door to door, and registering hundreds of thousands of new voters.” It was revolutionary. This stalemate was a turning point in American Politics. 23-7. Describe Keynesian economic policies. How important were they to the New Deal? In the 1920s British economist, John Maynard Keynes was known for transforming economic thinking within capitalist societies. Keynes’ cure for recession basically was that the banks should expand their money supplies in order to regain people’s confidence in spending or regenerating the money flow. Page 751 quoted, “…government intervention could smooth out the highs and lows of the business cycle through deficit spending and the manipulation of interest rates, which determined the money supply.” The only way the system would work is by spending money. He believed in supply and demand. Although many disagreed with John Maynard Keynesians ideas, the “defense spending” finally worked and put an end to the Great Depression. Keynesian’s policies were important to the New Deal because it overall stabilized the economy. Without Keynesian’s demand on government spending, no one would spend and the economy would remain the same if not worsen. His ideas changed the world and helped the economy rise. 23.8. Under the New Deal, the government’s involvement in the environment and in the arts was unprecedented. What were the major components of this new involvement? After the Great Depression the New Deals slogan, “Art for the millions” attracted many people seeking painting, sculpting, and artistic jobs. The WPA’s Federal Art Project gave work to hundreds. On page 761 (bottom left paragraph) it reads, “The WPA’s Federal Art Project gave work to many young artists who would become the twentieth centuries leading painters, muralists, and sculptors.” In addition, the Federal Music Project and Federal Writers Project (FWP) employed thousands. Page 761 declared, “ The Music Project and Federal Writers Project employed 15,000 musicians and 5,000 writers, respectfully.” They also recruited various well-known American writers known today named; Saul Bellow, Ralph Ellison, and John Cheever. Overall, agriculture, banking and the rise of the industry were three of the major components of this sudden new involvement in the environment and arts. Because of this event, we have many of our well known and cherished valuables today. 23-9. What was the New Deals long-term legacy in the United States? The New Deal promised security and hope after the Great Depression. In act, Social security, Bank holiday and regulation of businesses were all long-term legacies. But the most important one is social security. Once the FDR and congress created a strong social welfare state that took unprecedented responsibility for the American citizens, millions begun to pay taxes and receive direct government assistance. For instance, page 761 states, “More then one third of the population received direct government assistance from the federal programs, including old-age pensions, unemployment compensation, farm loans, relief work, and mortgage guarantees.” This quote shows us how fast the economy restored and got back on track once the New Deal begun to take its course. As quoted on page 762, “The New Deals pattern of government involvement in social life would persist for the rest of the twentieth century.” And that quote is correct. Social Security made our world better and is one of the legacies that is still used today and will most likely be used forever. 23.10. In what ways did Roosevelt’s personality, values, and political style affect the policies and programs of the New Deal? Roosevelt was what many called a “new president”. Meaning, he wasn’t like the rest. The moment he was elected people admired him for his kind, generous and bubbly personality as well as his different ideas he had to offer to the country. As shown on page 762, “Roosevelt’s magnetic personality and innovative programs brought millions of voters into the Democratic fold.” This president held great sway over the American people and took role in a major responsibility for the New Deal. His Democratic and socialism mindset definitely took affect on the policies ad programs. He seemed to be a President to please. Meaning, this president tried his best to please everyone on both ends of the spectrum and resulted in the need of many other peoples help. After the First New Deal unfortunately got criticized, and caused an enormous effect on the American peoples lives, he pledged to turn it all around. Which he later did by making the “Second New Deal”. This deal helped turn Americans economy around and overall add to the words growth. 24-11. What steps did the United States take between March and December 1941 to mark a path towards war? In fear of the German and Japanese aggression, the Soviet Union instructed the United States to join with liberals to avoid fascism. Quoted on page 769, “United States, the Roosevelt Administration faced widespread isolationist sentiment at home. In part, the desire to avoid European entanglements reflected disillusion with American participation in World War 1.” In addition, as the war begun and America sat back and watched Germany dominate, Roosevelt won a change in the neutrality laws. This permitted Allies to buy weapons as well as goods on a cash-and-carry basis. Many other steps were taken between March and December 1941 to mark the path towards war such as; The Lend- Lease Act, Americas First Committee, The Four Freedoms Speech and Atlantic Charter. All of those previously listed were steps to marking the United States path towards war. Overall American Allies did anything to stay uninvolved and let everyone be aware of it (rallies, protests, meetings, ect). Although later in time the Japanese attacked the United States, we fortunately were prepared with weaponry and took proper caution before reacting. 24-12. Why did the United States wait until 1941, after nearly every European nation had fallen to Germany, to enter World War 11? What were the sources of American political isolation? As World War 11 begun to brew by the second, the Unites States was perusing a national policy of “Isolationism”. The United States wanted to avoid all war and focus on different things like domestic/family household issues, restoring the economy, anti-immigration ect. Two days after the European War begun, the United States declared its neutrality. The USA would not be involved in the war and would romaine neutral until we were attacked and needed to fight back. As stated on page 771, “When war broke out in 1914 Woodrow Wilson had told Americans to be neutral “In thought as well as In action.” FDR, by contrast, now said: “This nation will remain a neutral nation, but I cannot ask that every American remain neutral in thought as well.” Also, in 1940 the United States instituted the first peacetime draft in American history. The FDR then declared, “We must be the great arsenal of democracy.”(Page 771) The United States isolationists even formed the, America First Committee (AFC). The AFC let everyone know that we were not getting involved, for example on page 771 it says, “ The AFC held rallies across the United States, and its posters, brochures, and broadside warning against American involvement…” Some sources of American Political isolation are Time Magazine, photographers, journalists and more. 24-13. How did World War 11 contribute to ending the Great Depression? The Great Depression ended when the U.S entered World War 11. As men entered the military to prepare for war, it left massive space in the work force causing other U.S citizens to enter the work market. Due to the increase in available jobs, it resulted in mass production of products and left the economy to rise! Defense mobilization overall ended the Great Depression. Shown on page 773, “Between 1940 and 1945, the annual gross national product doubled, and after-tax profits of American businesses nearly doubled.” The military paid for these costs by borrowing money and raising taxes. For instance, page 775 states; “The Revenue Act of 1942 expanded the number of people paying income taxes from 3.9 million to 42.6 million.” As the economy raised, more great things begun. U.S insured maximum production, approved “cost-plus” contracts, built modern ships and equipment and started to become the greatest country in the world. 24-14. What was the impact of World War 11 on the everyday life of the majority of Americans? The impact from World War 11 onto the American people was outrageously amazing. The nation geared up to support the war effort. Even though the battles were fought far away, the daily lives of those left on the “home front” were inevitably affected. Millions of diverse men and women from various regions fled to the military. Africans, Mexicans, Europeans, Women and even Hollywood celebrities joined the military. This call for action effected Americans forever due to the mix of race and gender. Women of whom never had a jobs before the war were serving in the army, working in factories, and had done jobs that many would have never imagined of doing. For instance, page 777 quotes, “Many working women gladly abandoned low paying “womens jobs” as domestic servants or secretaries for higher-paying work in the defense industry.” Although during the war things became hectic and the economy rushed to action, overall the Americans stayed strong and ended up gaining more knowledge then every imagined. 24-15. Why did Franklin Roosevelt issue Executive order 9066 in order to detain most Japanese Americans temporarily during the war? United States Executive Order 9066 was ordered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, authorizing the war department to temporarly take the japanies out of their homes and into relocation camps. This order was forced onto the Japaniese people for the remaining of World War 11 due to the attack on Pearl Harbor. After the attack, the West Coast people filled with fear. This caused great tention between the Americans and the Japanese people. Likewise, page 787 quotes, “ Residents began to fear spies, sabotage, and further attacks, Californias long history of racial animosity toward Asian iigrants surfaced…” Although there was no seditious activity among the inprisoned people, the overall assurance of the Countrys saftey made other Americans happy. Quoted on 788, “The War Relocation Authority moved the prisoners to Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Arkansas.” This movement had effect on thousands of Japanese familys and people. 24-16. Why do historians consider 1942 to be a pivotal year for the outcome of the war? Historians consider 1942 to be a pivotal year for the outcome of the war because many major events occurred during this year that further affected the outcome of the war. Four main events included; The Battle of Coral Sea, Battle of Midway Islands, Island hopping, Holocaust, the Manhattan Project and much more. I will focus on the last two events written above; the Holocaust and Manhattan Project. The Holocaust was a horrific event that took place during World War 11 and had a major direct impact on the outcome of the War. WW2 brought a vast increase on the number of Jews under Nazi control. For example; The Jewish population of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, the Soviet Union, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and more! In addition, stated on page 792, “In 1944 at the behest of Secretary of the Treasury Henrey Morgenthau, helped move 200,000 European Jews to safe havens in other countries.” This was a horrific event that occurred. Lastly, the top secret Manhatten Project changed the war drastically. The Manhattan Project was a research and development project that produced the first nuclear weapons during World War II. This project costed over $2 billion and ultimitly helped us win the War. (page 795) “In any event, the atomic bombs achieved the immediate goal. The dealths of 100,000 people at Hiroshima and 60,000 at Nagasaki prompted the Japanese government to surender unconditionally on August 10 and to sign the formal agreement on September 2, 1945. Finally Fascism had been defeated.” This was a happy ending to us Americans. Overall, all of the events; Holocoast, Manhatten Project, Island hopping, The Battle of Coral Sea, Battle of Midway Islands and much more effected WW2 in many ways. 24-17. Evaluate the relative contributions of the Rusians and the Americans to the Allied victory. What were the tensions among the Allies over the military strategy and postwar territorial issues? Russia was by far more involved in the war then the Americans. Russia contributed far more then Americans did to World War 11. While Russia faught Germany on the eastern front, and killed many of the wars competetors, the United States remained uninvolved. Territorial problems incuded; Manchuria and Korea and Germay and Poland. As the U.S chose to begin involving in the war, Americans refused to help our allies in anyway. Quoted on page 792, “Thousands of jewish refugees sought permission from President Roosavelt to dock at an American port, FDR refused.” When the U.S was asked to help Russia by invading Germany on the weaston front we denied. In result, we Instead, invaded North Africa to indirectly attack hitler. Soon later Hitler commited suiside and it was up to the United States on what to do. We then killed off Japan and ended the war. 24-18. Explain why the United States used atomic weapons in Japan. After the Pearl Harbor attack and the Executive Order 9066, The United states begun working on developing an atomic bomb to use on Japanese city of Hiroshima. United States had been working on developing an atomic weapon, after having been warned by Albert Einstein that quoted, “Nazi Germany is already conducting research into nuclear weapons.” Luckily, by the time the United States conducted the first successful test on the bomb, Germany had already been defeated. Although Germany had been defeated the Japan wouldn’t back down. President Harry S. Truman then ordered to drop the bomb and polish off the war once and for good. After 100,000 deaths in Hiroshima and 60,000 at Nagasaki, the Japanese government finally surrendered and WW2 came to an end. Page 795 says, “Even the global war came to an end, the early signs of the coming Cold War were apparent, as were the stirrings of independence in the European colonies.” The United States used the atomic bomb for two reasons. To end the war quick and efficiently as well as test/ show the countries what the United States is capable of. 24-19. What roles did minority group members play in the conduct of World War 11 Read More